- April 26, 2024
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New Safehaven House in Ormond Beach will be used as a refuge.
Trina Florence-King, president of the Eli Foundation, a 501(c)3 corporation, has been a mom on a mission for seven years.
Her task, given to her by her son, Eli, before he died of AML leukemia at the age of 15 in 2007, is to support families as their child endures intensive treatment for pediatric leukemia.
According to Florence-King, a few days before he died, Eli said, “Mom, I’m feeling kinda good today so will you please get a pencil and paper so you can write down what’s on my heart for you to do the rest of your life after I have to leave please?”
He asked her to form a foundation to help other families in similar situations.
“Mom, I want you to raise money for moms and dads so one parent can be with their child 24/7 like you were with me, mom, but have it not be so hard financially,” Eli said, according to Florence-King.
She said Eli worked out all the details of the plan. He asked her to start a program that provides $2,000 per month throughout the course of treatment for a child with leukemia to replace lost income, so that one parent could be with the child during the five months of intensive chemotherapy treatment.
“For seven years, that’s what I’ve been doing,” she said.
She started the Eli Foundation, which not only raises funds but also provides medical advocacy and inspirational talks. It now has a new program for caregivers, offering a three-night, two-day refuge at a home on the Halifax River in Ormond Beach.
Eligible for the refuge gift are parents who have a child with a terminal illness, or those who have lost a loved one after a stay in hospice. Recently, a third category was added. It will be offered to parents to have lost a child in the war on terror.
Nomination forms are sent to children’s hospitals, hospice centers and veterans family support organizations. The first couple to receive the refuge gift was nominated by Home Depot.
During their refuge stay, the gift recipients will be treated to chauffeured days out on the town, gourmet dining, concerts, such as the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and more.
“It will provide the amenities needed to give a couple a much-needed time of peace so the potential for healing and refreshing can take place, even if only for a couple of days,” King said in an email.
She said she has been working for three years to put it together.
She is seeking donations and partners to help pay for the refuge gift, which she hopes to provide 30 times per year.
The owner of the home, who wishes to remain anonymous, has donated the use of the home and will receive tax benefits as lodging sponsor, King said. .
One of her sponsors is All Florida Investigations and Forensic Services Inc., which donates 20% of sales facilitated by King. She also signed an agreement with Lohman Funeral Home. A professional singer, she will be the vocalist for all seven locations of the funeral home, and they will donate money to the foundation whenever she sings.
Also, she recently received word from ATHLEX Youth Baseball Nationals, which will hold a major tournament this summer in Ormond Beach, that they wish to support the Eli Foundation.
She said she also wants to thank Coastal Fabric and Foam, of Ormond Beach, Murphy Bed Center and Home Depot.
She said she didn’t realize how much she needed a break when she was taking care of her son until she was encouraged by her son to take one.
“He said, ‘Mom, go do something,’” So, she took an overnight getaway courtesy of the Ronald McDonald House.
“That has never left me,” she said. “That was the catalyst for putting this program together.”
King can be reached at [email protected] or 616-734-9100. The web site is theelifoundation.com.
